Artwork
Portrait of Cardinal Pompeo Colonna
Portrait of Cardinal Pompeo Colonna is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Cristofano dell'Altissimo. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Cristofano dell'Altissimo's Portrait of Cardinal Pompeo Colonna is a 1560 oil painting exemplifying the mannerist style. It is one of a series of portrait copies.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Cardinal Pompeo Colonna in formal attire, shown from the chest up against a dark background. His serious expression and direct gaze engage the viewer.
Technique & Style
Dell'Altissimo employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimension, drawing attention to the cardinal's face. The use of oil paint allowed for nuanced rendering of textures and expressions.
History & Provenance
The painting was commissioned by Cosimo I de' Medici as part of a series of copies from Giovio's original collection. It is now held at the Uffizi Gallery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cristofano dell'Altissimo (c. 1525 – 1605) was an Italian painter in Florence. For duke Cosimo I de' Medici he copied in Como at least 280 of the portraits from the Collection of Paolo Giovio known as the Giovio Series…
